Arsenal Dominates "Must-Win" Matches to Build Six-Point Lead
As of January 5, 2026, Arsenal has solidified its position at the top of the Premier League table after 20 rounds, boasting a six-point lead over its nearest rivals. Following a hard-fought 3-2 comeback victory against Bournemouth—where Declan Rice scored a decisive brace—the Gunners capitalized on title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool dropping points. This recent run has seen Arsenal secure five consecutive league wins, amassing 48 points ($15$ wins, $3$ draws, $2$ losses), a tally that currently outpaces their legendary "Invincibles" season at the same stage.
The defining characteristic of Mikel Arteta’s side this season has been their clinical efficiency against the rest of the league. Out of the five matches where Arsenal dropped points, four occurred during high-stakes "Big Six" or top-five clashes:
0-1 vs Liverpool (Loss)
1-2 vs Aston Villa (Loss)
1-1 vs Manchester City (Draw)
1-1 vs Chelsea (Draw)
2-2 vs Sunderland (Draw – notably against a top-half opponent)
While critics point to these struggles in "six-pointer" games, Arsenal’s ability to "crush the minnows" has proven to be the difference-maker. Their relentless consistency against bottom-half and mid-table sides has created a safety net that neither Manchester City nor Aston Villa currently possesses. Opta’s latest projections now place Arsenal’s title probability at a staggering 80%, reflecting the team's defensive stability (league-low 18 goals conceded) and their league-leading set-piece efficiency.
Looking ahead, the road to the title will be tested by a high-intensity January. Arsenal is set to host Liverpool on January 7 and Manchester United on January 25. These upcoming fixtures provide the Gunners a perfect opportunity to shed their "big game" struggles and potentially put the title race out of reach before the spring. If they maintain this "flat-track bully" dominance while finally toppling a fellow giant, the Premier League trophy looks increasingly likely to return to North London for the first time in over two decades.
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